The Secret Ingredient (Coffee) Part II: Coffee-Charred Flank Steak

Using coffee as a secret ingredient opens up a bitter, bitter world in the kitchen. In a good way. I have found, in experimenting with coffee, that it adds a flavor component not found in other ingredients. Coffee-bitter is a dry, matte flavor that adds such complexity and uniqueness to dishes. It is a delightful contrasting bitterness.

This flank steak is rubbed with chili for heat, sugar for sweetness, coffee for bitterness, pepper for spice, and salt. Together, with the char of a hot grill, the result is a juicy sliced steak with a complex and flavorful crust.

Coffee-Charred Flank Steak

Ingredients

2 teaspoons granulated sugar

1 teaspoon instant espresso powder

2 tablespoons freshly and coarsely ground black pepper

1 teaspoon fine sea salt

2 teaspoons mild chili powder

1 1 1/2-pound flank steak

1 tablespoon vegetable oil

Procedure

Preheat gas grill to medium-high heat.

In a small bowl, combine sugar, espresso, black pepper, salt, and chili powder.

Rub steak all over with vegetable oil. Press spice mixture onto both sides of steak.

Sear 8 minutes on first side; 6 minutes on reverse. Tent with foil, and allow meat to rest 10 minutes. Slice thinly against the grain, and serve.